How to Get Prepared for a Teen Driver

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. –Getting a driver’s license is one of the first signs of growing up. For most teens it is a right of passage into adulthood. Are you a family who has a teen driver? We know that seeing your child get behind the wheel can be scary. That is why at Graff Mt. Pleasant we want to give you a few tips on how to get prepared for a teen driver. Below you can learn how to properly prepare your child for hitting the road, and how to guide them into being safe drivers for the rest of their life.

Implement Your Own Rules
Your teen driver may have learned the rules of the road in their driver’s education course, but it is important that rules are set in the house as well. Rules that could be implemented include: restricting your teen’s night time driving by setting a curfew, limit the number of passengers that your teen is allowed to have in the vehicle, set a strict “no phone” rule to help encourage the habit of not texting and driving.

Discuss Driving Cost
Sit down with your teen to talk about the cost of ownership with a vehicle. Driving is not a free luxury. By explaining the cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and insurance, your teen will have a better understanding of what vehicle ownership entails. It’s been shown that teens that also contribute to the cost of ownership have a better respect for the vehicle and take driving more seriously.

Set A Good Example
The best way to have your teen become a safe driver is to be one yourself. Show your teen driver how always buckling up, never using the phone, and avoiding other distractions (like eating while driving) keep you safe and alert on the road.

Provide Passenger Seat Supervision
Your teens may have their license but they are still new drivers. Studies show that teens who have parent support and still receive supervision after they pass their driver’s test, will be least likely to drive and drive and talk on the phone while behind the wheel. By coaching your teen when you are in the passenger seat you help encourage positive habits like wearing a seat belt and not speeding.

Choose A Safe Car
Most teen drivers do not drive brand new vehicles. Many are given a vehicle that their parents already own. If you are looking for a vehicle for your teen, look for something that is reliable and includes top safety features.

After learning how to get prepared for a teen driver you may find yourself still nervous, but rest assured you will help encourage safety and alertness while instilling positive habits. When it comes to a safe vehicle for your teen and your family, visit our experts at Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant. We will get you behind the wheel of a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. This sophisticated sedan offers safety technologies like the Teen Driver feature. Teen Driver is a safety feature that includes muting the radio until your teen is buckled, and alerting your teen of when they are reaching a max set speed. Now you can know they are in good hands when you cannot be in the car with them.

Not sure on whether you should buy or lease your teens first vehicle? Take a look at our new and improved Buying vs. Leasing page. You can compare and contrast both options and know which one will be best for your family. Take it a step further with our How to Buy and How to Lease pages. Learn the process and common terms used when getting your next vehicle at Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Buying vs. Leasing at Graff Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – At Graff Mt. Pleasant we want our customers to have the knowledge and understanding of the buying and leasing process when it comes to their next vehicle. That is why we have updated our Buying vs. Leasing pages on both our Graff Chevrolet and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac websites! Additional to our update we have added How to Buy and How to Lease on both sites. Our new Buying vs. Leasing at Graff Mt. Pleasant pages will help you understand the difference between buying and leasing so you know which option will be best for you! On our How to Buy and How to Lease pages you will learn each process so you are prepared when you arrive at the dealership. Take a look below at what you will learn on each page:

Buying vs. Leasing on Graff Chevrolet and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Pages:
Everyone is unique and vehicle needs can vary. Our buying vs. leasing pages on our Chevrolet and Buick GMC Cadillac sites allow you to compare the two options so you know which will fit you financially. You will learn basic facts, the pros, and the cons of each option. You can also submit questions to our sales staff on details about buying or leasing a car with Graff Mt. Pleasant.

How to Buy on Graff Chevrolet and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Pages:
You can view our new How to Buy pages on both the Chevrolet and Buick GMC Cadillac sites. This page takes you through the buying process with either one of our dealerships. You will learn the steps we take at the dealership to get you into the car of your dreams, as well as financing terms and the cost of ownership. Are you shopping for a new vehicle now? Take a look at our inventory pages for new Chevrolet models or our Buick GMC Cadillac models.

How to Lease on Graff Chevrolet and Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Pages:
Are you someone who is interested in leasing a vehicle? Our new How to Lease page for our Chevrolet and Buick GMC Cadillac dealership sites will give you the information you need for the leasing process. On these pages you will learn the process it takes to start a new lease, different leasing terminology, as well as the importance of residual value and how it affects your lease. Contact our leasing professionals at either our Chevrolet or Buick GMC Cadillac dealerships to schedule your appointment today.

Our team at Graff Mt. Pleasant is here to help make your buying and leasing processes fast and easy that is why we created the Buying vs. Leasing at Graff Mt. Pleasant pages. By viewing our Chevrolet Buying vs. Leasing or our Buick GMC Cadillac Buying vs. Leasing pages you will learn the differences between both options and can better determine which will fit your needs. If you can’t find the vehicle that fits your needs visit our Chevrolet Find Me a Vehicle or our Buick GMC Cadillac Find Me a Vehicle pages and our sales staff will help you find the best car for you!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Get Approved for Auto Financing at Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – At Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant we know that purchasing a vehicle can be stressful, especially if you have challenged credit. What we also know, is that it doesn’t have to be! That is why our expert Finance team works with you to make the process simple, every step of the way. If you have challenged credit, poor credit, or no credit, there’s no need to worry – our team is here to help! If you’re looking for a pre-owned vehicle, Graff Mt. Pleasant can help you get approved for auto financing if you make at least $600 per month!

That’s right! If you make at least $600 per month, we can get you the financing you need to drive away in the vehicle of your dreams. We work hard to help drivers of all credit levels get approved for auto financing because we believe that everyone should have access to a great, reliable vehicle. At Hank Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant, our Finance team is dedicated to finding you the right vehicle at the right price for your budget, and we will work with you regardless of your credit history. If you have experienced foreclosure, bankruptcy, bad credit, or have no credit at all, we can get the vehicle financing you need thanks to our countless years of experience and our trusted relationships with local lending institutions. Let us help you rebuild, or even begin to establish, your credit! We’re here to help!

Curious of what you will need to finance a vehicle when you visit our dealership? Below are the documents required for your auto loan financing:

• Valid driver’s license 
• Proof of income (paystub, cancelled checks, or 2 monthly bank statements)
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of residence (mailed bank statement, cell phone bill, or utility bill)
• Personal references (name, address, and phone number)

Get approved for auto financing at Graff Mt. Pleasant and you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to finance your next vehicle. If you make at least $600 per month, shopping for your next pre-owned vehicle is easy and fun at Graff. We are the largest GM Certified car dealer around, and we offer over 150 pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, which means we’re confident you will find a vehicle you love!

If you have ever felt discouraged about buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, you don’t have to worry anymore! With our proven financing approval process, we can get you approved for an auto loan and on the road in no time as long as you make at least $600 per month. Stop by today to shop our large selection of used and certified pre-owned vehicles, and drive away with the vehicle you have always wanted!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Memorial Day Grilling Safety Tips

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer. As the family gathers for outdoor activities and delicious food, our team at Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Mt. Pleasant wants to make sure you and your loved ones are safe when you pull out the grill. There is nothing like starting out the spring and summer seasons with the smell of sizzling hotdogs and hamburgers in the air, that is why this holiday we want you to stay safe in your backyard with these Memorial Day grilling safety tips.

1) Keep the grill outdoors and away from flammable structures
You should always grill outside. Grilling in your garage or home can put you at a high risk for fires. When you are grilling outside you don’t want to risk an accidental fire spreading to your deck, awning, or even your house.

2) Keep kids and pets a safe distance away
Children and pets can make fast and unexpected movements. They often don’t understand how hot the grill can get while on. Make sure you watch any small children or pets around the grill to prevent burns or injury. 

3) Never leave grill unattended
While you keep an extra eye on the kids and animals, you will also not want to leave the grill unattended. If you have to leave the grill, have another adult keep an eye on the food and the people around.

4) Wear safe clothing
As important as it is to keep others safe around the grill, it is just as important to keep yourself safe. Restrain from wearing loose hanging clothing while grilling to prevent any garments from catching on fire.

5) Clean your grill after every use
This is a tip that often gets overlooked. Remember to clean any old food build up, grease pans, or trays after using them. It is important to clean your grill after every use to help prevent built up grease and old food from causing grease fires. 

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend with our Memorial Day grilling safety tips. Now you and your family can welcome the summer season with delicious food and good times. Want another to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend? Stop in to Graff Buick GMC Cadillac Mt. Pleasant and test drive a 2016 GMC Acadia. With premium performance, top safety features, and enough room for the whole family, this crossover will help you bring in the summer with style. Contact our sales staff today for more details.

You can also get your current vehicle ready for the warm weather with our Spring Car Care page! Learn the importance of seasonal maintenance and how getting everything from your tires to fluids checked will have your car performing better than ever. We also offer tips on how to spring clean your vehicle’s exterior and interior. Looking for more tips on routine maintenance? Our Service section gives you answers to your FAQs and you can check out the service specials currently happening at the dealership.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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5 Things To Know About Sharing The Road With Motorcycles

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – May is motorcycle safety awareness month! As summer quickly approaches more motorists are taking to the road. Motorcycles are a popular means of transportation, yet after the winter season it seems we tend to forget to be aware of them. To make sure everyone is driving safely we put together our 5 things to know about sharing the road with motorcycles. 

Take a look at they 5 ways you can keep yourself and motorcycle drivers safe on the road:

1) Always predict motorcyclists are closer than they appear. It can be difficult to judge the distance and speed of a motorcycle while on the road. When you want to safely maneuver around a motorcycle it is always best to predict that they are much closer to you than they may be. This will give you and the motorcycle the ability to safely pass, or switch lanes around each other.

2) Be aware of the motorcyclists position in the lane. Motorcyclists continuously adjust their position in the lane when they are driving. This can be due to debris, potholes, wind, etc. They do this for a purpose. It is best to be aware and understand that a motorcycle can change their position so you are prepared and alert when driving behind or in front of one.

3) Allow more following distance behind the motorcycle. Even though the stopping distance for motorcycles is about the same for cars, it can be even more difficult in slippery road conditions. It is best to keep a further distance when following a motorcycle than a car or truck. A good way to remember is the “4 second rule”. Leave 4 seconds of driving distance between you and the motorcycle at all times. This will give you more time to prepare for any unexpected things to happen. 

4) Check your blind spots often! Due to the size of motorcycles, they can easily slip into blind spots without you even knowing it. Before you change lanes, check your blind spots and rearview mirrors more than once.

5) Look twice for motorcycles! When you are stopped at an intersection it is easy to look both ways and then continue driving on. But most of the time drivers are looking for other cars and trucks. When you come to a full stop look twice in both directions of oncoming traffic because motorcyclists can be difficult to find further away. A simple way to stay safe is to always look twice, especially when making left turns.

During the summer seasons motorcycles are much more common on the road. When you follow our 5 things to know about sharing the road with motorcycles you will not only be a safer driver, but you can save lives. Remember to keep your eyes open and be prepared for the unexpected. If you want a vehicle with top safety features than stop by Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant and test-drive a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. With safety features like OnStar, Forward Collision Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert you can know about where objects are at all times. Contact our professional sales team for more information.

To keep your vehicle performing safely and efficiently on the road, visit our Seasonal Maintenance page. We can give you tips and tricks to get your vehicle running correctly during the warmer months. Our Spring Car Care page will teach you all about the importance of tires, fluids, and more. You can even get a few tips on spring-cleaning your interior and exterior. To schedule an appointment for your seasonal maintenance contact our service center today. Stay safe this summer season and remember to share the road!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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5 Recipes To Help You Eat Healthy

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – May 8th through the 14th is National Women’s Health week. To celebrate we are helping you move towards a healthier lifestyle. We know taking that first leap into a better way of eating can be hard. That is why we put together these 5 recipes to help you eat healthy. Get a kick-start on a healthier diet that will help you find yourself looking great and feeling even better. Try each one of these recipes this week!

Avocado Chicken Salad 

Apple Cookies

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Balsamic Chicken with Asparagus and Tomatoes

One Pan Lemon Pepper Salmon and Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

With these 5 recipes to help you eat healthy you will find eating right is not only good for you but tastes great! Starting with healthy recipes is a stepping-stone to a better lifestyle. Want to better more than just your diet? How about getting a better vehicle? Visit us at Graff Buick GMC Cadillac and test drive a new 2016 Cadillac ATS. This luxury sedan truly gives you a world-class driving experience. Experience a compact sport vehicle with the highest sophistication. Contact our dealership and schedule a test drive today!

If you want to better your current vehicle you can visit our Spring Car Care page and learn how seasonal maintenance benefits not only your vehicle performance but can extend it’s life. Schedule an appointment with our service center today and get your car driving better than before.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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Happy Retirement James Richardson, Service Center Manager

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. - On May 31^st Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant will be saying good-bye to one of their most dedicated service managers, James Richardson, as he retires after 39 years. James Richardson (JR) has become a staple of the Graff Chevrolet Service Center during his time in Mt. Pleasant. Over the years he has served as the Parts and Service Director and has become close with not only the Graff family, but the returning customers as well.

JR was born and raised in Beaverton, MI. When he was young he begin attending Central Michigan University, pursuing a degree in Foreign Language. After spending a summer in Spain he thought foreign languages would be his passion, until he began working in the automotive industry. During his time at Central Michigan, JR found a part job at a machine shop quite a distance from campus. His dedication to his studies caused him to travel back and forth from his job on the weekends, to the University for weekday classes. It was then that JR found his true passion, the auto industry. JR has been working on vehicles ever since.

Today JR still resides in Beaverton, MI with his wife of 41 years, Vickie. The couple has three wonderful children and five beautiful grandchildren. During his free time JR enjoys golfing, annual winter fishing trips with his in-laws, and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. After retirement JR plans to celebrate by vacationing with his wife, camping around the United States (hopefully finding their way to Alaska), and enjoying even more time with his grandchildren.

When asked about his time at Graff Chevrolet Mt. Pleasant JR said his fondest memories were gathering with other Graff managers at annual outings, “I loved spending time with fellow managers and their families and just kicking back and relaxing.” JR was also asked what he would miss most about working at Graff Chevrolet and he responded with, “All of the staff that has become family.”

JR is a very kind and patient person that has been a great asset to the Graff Chevrolet Service Center. His relationship with the customers has molded into a customer service culture that every Graff employee strives for today. The Graff family will miss the dedication and hard work that JR has given over the past four decades and wishes him luck in his future endeavors.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube